Wild and windy running this weekend

We thought we would point you in the direction of some fun events to brighten up the start of the penultimate month of the year. Having survived the horrors of Halloween, we now have Guy Fawkes Night to come and Christmas is less than two months away, so here are some running distractions from all the winter preparations.

Chessington Running Wild on Saturday (3 November) is our first stop and this could prove to be quite an event. On offer is a 5K or 10K course through the world famous Chessington World of Adventures. The course winds through the park's brand new Land of the Tiger and the Trail of the Kings, past the Zoo and Sea Life Centre. All participants will receive free, unlimited access and supporters can purchase special 50% discount tickets for all the attractions. With a Kids Challenge 2K there really is something for everyone at this great event.

Wild is a bit of a theme this weekend with Wild Night Run promoting the Haldon Night 10K, 5K, 2K and 1K torch light runs in Haldon Forest, near Exeter, starting at 6pm on Saturday from Ridge Cafe. Organisers promise a hilly course on relatively smooth forest trails and head torches are compulsory. It certainly will be a leap in the dark for some!

Perhaps being crowned King or Queen of the Castle appeals? Opportunity knocks for runners in the Deal Castle 5 on Sunday (4 November) from Deal Scout Hut, Marine Parade. Organised by Deal Tri Club, this popular race is held entirely on the pancake flat promenade and PB times are possible if the wind is not too wild. As well as the increasingly rare opportunity to race an accurate 5 miles there is a 1K fun run for juniors.

If you decide that putting your feet up in front of the TV is a better option the TCS New York City Marathon and Half Marathon will be screened live on Eurosport 2 from 1:15pm on Sunday – after you have completed your long Sunday run, of course! runABC travel partner Sports Tours International will be taking a large contingent of British runners across the pond so we wish them well in their endeavours.

All your essential race information and results are available at runABC Southrace listing here